Freshman quarterback Brock Purdy has led the Cyclones (6-3, 5-2 Big 12) to a five-game winning streak. During that stretch, Iowa State is averaging 34.6 points per game and 6.4 yards per play.

Advertisement

“They’re ranked. They’re a good team. They’re 5-0 with this quarterback. They’re doing their thing, man,” Omenihu said. “So it’s not going to be a cakewalk or run-through. And they definitely don’t care that it’s senior night. They could care less.”

Iowa State and Texas are in the same boat as far as the Big 12 race is concerned. Both are 5-2 in league play, so both teams can map out a path to Arlington.

The Horns had a difficult night in Ames, Iowa, last season before ultimately prevailing 17-7. Texas had only 312 total yards and punted seven times. In 2015, UT didn’t even cross midfield until the second half.

Senior guard Patrick Vahe has started three games against Iowa State during his time at Texas. Saturday will mark the fourth. The Cyclones have earned his respect.

“A lot of people will look at them as underdogs; I definitely don’t,” Vahe said. “They’re one of the one you’ve got to watch out for. If you sleep on them, they’ll wake you up with everything they got.”

Choices at RB: The Cyclones will be without star running back David Montgomery in the first half. He was suspended for fighting last week against Baylor. Texas coach Tom Herman said, “I don’t know if the game plan changes very much who they are.”

News on Bevo Beat is free and unlimited. Access to the rest of Hookem.com is included with an Austin American-Statesman subscription in addition to Statesman.com and the ePaper edition. Subscribe today at statesman.com/subscribe.